Tornado damage cleaned up; park reopens in Agawam

Tuesday

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation reopened Robinson State Park in Agawam Sunday, after an initial cleanup of roads, trails and the day use area from the June 1 tornado.

Brimfield State Forest, however — with more than 800 acres damaged or destroyed, buildings damaged or destroyed, and roads and fire roads blocked — will remain closed indefinitely.

S.J. Port, DCR spokeswoman, said minor cleanup work was done at Wells State Park in Sturbridge, associated with the June 1 thunderstorm, but not the direct result of the tornado, which passed to the south.

Ms. Port said DCR personnel will meet with Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives later this week to get “a better grasp of how much of the cleanup cost at Brimfield will be eligible for federal reimbursement.”

As the hardest-hit residential areas of town await a blitz cleanup weekend this Saturday and Sunday, some, including state Rep. Todd M. Smola, R-Palmer, have voiced concerns about the massive amount of fuel on the ground, gradually drying out, and becoming a significant wildfire threat.

In Agawam, Robinson State Park had been closed since the June 1 tornado damaged 25 acres, including day use areas, roads, trails, and power lines running through the park.

“We’re excited to have Robinson State Park reopen for the public,” said DCR Commissioner Ed Lambert.

“There is plenty of summer left to be had and we’re looking forward to the spectacular fall foliage in Agawam.”

DCR hired Mayer Tree Service to clear all park areas that would be hazards to the general public. The work began July 19.

Of the estimated $300,000 cost of cleanup, debris removal and repairs, 75 percent is eligible for FEMA reimbursement.

Robinson State Park suffered the loss of more than 250 downed trees, 400 feet of downed power lines and several utility poles down and in need of repair. No buildings were damaged at Robinson, but the park had to be closed because of the extensive damage to trees and power lines.

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